Reading Tutors Keen to Use Their Newly Acquired Skills

by Rosemary Wilson

Recently Mike Stock, CEO of VISE, conducted two very successful reading workshops in Canberra. Volunteer teachers from several states attended. They were all eager to become reading tutors for VISE.

The training consisted of a two day weekend workshop, followed by a week of reading tutoring in a local primary school.

Mike expounded his approach to literacy teaching and learning which he has developed from the work of Monsignor Duffy, a linguist and inspector of Catholic schools during the 1950s and 60s. Duffy’s method involves a thorough understanding of phonics as well as focussing on fluency and comprehension.

Mike has found this approach very successful in helping reluctant and disengaged students to become more active readers and spellers. Emphasis is placed on age appropriate reading materials of high interest to the pupils. Students have shown significant improvement in their literacy skills and self esteem in a relatively short time. Feedback, both from teachers and parents, has been most positive.

All of the participants had a very rewarding week. The reading tutors are now keen to apply these skills and look forward to their VISE placements in 2010 and beyond.

It was a privilege to work with Mike Stock who has an outstanding commitment to students’ learning and the VISE philosophy.